If you crave comforting Pennsylvania Dutch flavors with small town charm, Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet in New Holland belongs on your shortlist. This local favorite pairs homestyle dishes with friendly service and a market right next door, making it easy to turn a meal into a mini outing.
You will find a buffet that changes by day, grill stations, and plenty of classic sides that feel like Sunday supper. Come hungry, pace yourself, and bring curiosity for the details that make this spot distinctly Amish Country.
Fast facts and how to plan your visit
Start strong by knowing the basics before you go. Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet sits at 14 S Tower Rd in New Holland, opening as early as 6 AM most days, with hours extending to 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Expect a steady crowd of locals and travelers, a price point, and both all you can eat and a la carte options to fit how hungry you are.
Parking is plentiful, and accessibility is straightforward, which helps when you are arriving with family or friends. Reservations are not typical, so plan to wait briefly during peak dinner hours or Sunday brunch.
If you prefer quieter moments, arrive early on weekdays or lean into late lunch when the dining room tends to thin.
Keep your decision making simple by scanning the buffet first, then committing to a plate strategy. You will see a rotating mix that can include broasted chicken, pot roast, ham, baked fish, and nightly specials like prime rib or salmon.
The make to order grill sometimes features omelets in the morning and seared proteins later.
Budget for drinks, as they are not always included with buffet pricing. Ask about the senior discount if it applies.
Finally, save time to browse the attached market and gift shop after you eat.
What to expect from the buffet lineup
The buffet here focuses on American comfort with Pennsylvania Dutch accents, so you will meet familiar flavors prepared simply. Core staples often include broasted or fried chicken, pot roast, ham balls, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, and seasonal vegetables.
You will also find baked fish or fish cakes, with rotating nightly features that can add prime rib or salmon.
Mornings skew cozy with eggs, pancakes, chipped beef gravy, breakfast potatoes, tater tots, yogurt, and granola. Weekends and brunch bring omelet or griddle stations and corn fritters off a hot grill.
Scan the salad bar first, because it can be a highlight when it is fully stocked with greens, toppings, and house dressings.
Compared with bigger smorgasbords nearby, Yoder’s selection is smaller but easier to navigate quickly. You can still build a generous plate without decision fatigue.
If you prefer a lighter touch, the a la carte menu lets you skip the buffet entirely while your tablemates indulge.
Quality varies by time of day, so lean into peak turnover for fresher trays. If carving is available, ask for your preferred doneness.
And remember to peek behind the grill area for desserts and ice cream, which some guests miss on their first pass.
Spotlight on nightly specials and carving station
If you are aiming for value, time your visit around nightly specials. Friday is known for all you can eat prime rib with extras like baked salmon and seafood items, which draws regulars who love a classic carving moment.
On other evenings, keep an eye out for brisket or theme driven proteins that round out the homestyle staples.
At the carving station, be clear about thickness and doneness. A friendly chef will usually slice to your request, and thicker cuts stay juicier as they rest on your plate.
Pair your meat with au jus, horseradish, or a swipe of compound butter if offered to lift flavor and moisture.
Side strategy matters here. Slide into mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, and a green side to balance richness.
When salmon is on, ask about the latest batch time so you can catch it just out of the oven instead of lingering under the heat lamps.
Prices remain in the middle ground, so specials can feel like a small splurge that still fits the budget. When in doubt, do a tasting approach.
One modest plate with a carving cut and two sides sets a good baseline before returning for seconds.
Breakfast and Sunday brunch game plan
Morning at Yoder’s leans classic, filling, and unfussy. You will find eggs, bacon or sausage, pancakes, cereal, yogurt, and often chipped beef gravy to ladle over fried potatoes or toast.
On Sundays, brunch merges breakfast and lunch, so you can stack a plate with crepes followed by roast chicken without hesitation.
Move methodically. Start with protein and potatoes to anchor your appetite, then circle back for a sweet finish like waffles or soft serve if available.
If an omelet or griddle station is active, place an order early so your custom plate is ready by the time you return from a quick salad.
Quality improves with turnover, so busy brunch hours can work in your favor for freshness. That said, lines grow, so keep your plate count modest and avoid overfilling to keep everything hot.
Coffee refills come fast when the floor is staffed up, and servers here are generally friendly even when stretched.
Pricing for breakfast tends to be lower than dinner but remember drinks may be separate. If you are a light eater, consider ordering a la carte instead of buffet.
Either way, brunch delivers that cozy Amish Country ritual many travelers seek.
Salad bar, sides, and those Pennsylvania Dutch comforts
The salad bar can be a bright counterpoint to heavier plates. When fully stocked, you will find crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled add ons, eggs, cheeses, and house dressings that lean creamy and comforting.
Build one focused bowl so you still have room for warm sides.
On the hot line, expect buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and seasonal vegetables. Corn fritters appear at times and are best fresh off the grill when edges stay crisp.
If you spot ham balls or pot roast, grab a small sample first, then return for a heartier portion once you lock in your favorites.
Pacing matters with these comforting sides because they fill you fast. A spoon of noodles, a scoop of mash, plus one green will serve you better than a mountain of starch.
Salt and pepper are on tables, but you may also spot hot sauces to punch up mild items.
For balance, alternate a fresh salad plate with a warm plate rather than mixing everything at once. It keeps textures intact and temperatures stable.
You will leave satisfied without the post buffet slump that comes from piling on too much, too soon.
Desserts and ice cream you should not skip
Save room because dessert hides behind the grill area and is easy to miss on a first pass. Expect sheet cakes, classic pies, puddings, and both soft serve and hard ice cream with toppings.
When the soft serve machine is humming, swirl a modest cone to cap the meal without tipping into overload.
If you prefer a fork dessert, look for seasonal pies and poke cakes that lean sweet but simple. A small square paired with coffee offers a comfortable finish, especially after a heavy plate of roast meats.
When hard ice cream appears, ask for a fresh scoop from a newly opened tub to avoid freezer burn.
Temperature control can make or break the experience, so take what looks freshly rotated. Toppings like nuts or chocolate sauce add texture, but keep them light if your main course was rich.
You will enjoy dessert more when you treat it as a tasting flight rather than a second full plate.
Families will love letting kids build their own sundae, which adds a fun moment before hitting the market. If you are celebrating, stack a slice of cake with a small scoop.
It is indulgent without going overboard.
Service, seating, and timing your meal
Service tends to be friendly and attentive even when the dining room is busy. You will meet seasoned servers who handle refills and plates with a smile, plus newer staff hustling on peak nights.
Seating is straightforward with tables and booths, and decor is simple rather than destination focused.
For the smoothest experience, beat the rush. Early dinners on weekdays or late lunches help you land fresher trays and faster drink service.
If you arrive at prime time, expect modest waits and slightly slower resets on the salad bar or dessert counter.
Ask questions about specials and grill times, because a quick check with staff can steer you toward the best bites. They will tell you when the next batch of salmon hits or whether the prime rib is being refreshed.
You will eat better with that two sentence conversation.
Finally, pace your meal. Take two plates max before choosing dessert, and build each with intention.
You will enjoy consistent temperatures, fewer wasted bites, and an overall experience that feels relaxed instead of rushed.
Pricing, deals, and what counts as good value
Yoder’s sits firmly in bracket, which means you can keep a family meal reasonable with a few smart choices. Drinks may not be included with the buffet, so factor beverages into your math, especially for groups.
Ask about senior discounts at check in because you usually need to request them.
Value climbs when nightly specials or carving options are present, since those cuts cost more a la carte elsewhere. Breakfast and brunch deliver lower entry prices, which is perfect if you prefer eggs and griddle over roasts.
If someone at your table eats lightly, ordering off the menu can cut the bill without dampening the experience.
Waste less and win value by taking smaller portions first, then returning for confirmed favorites. That habit keeps your plate hot, reduces throwaways, and makes the buffet feel like a curated tasting rather than a race.
You will also find room for dessert without regret.
Prices in Lancaster County can vary widely between big smorgasbords and smaller buffets. Yoder’s is not the cheapest, but you get convenient parking, an attached market, and friendly service to sweeten the deal.
For many diners, that balance feels just right.
Attached market and gift shop extras
Part of Yoder’s charm is that your meal does not end at the dining room door. Step directly into Yoder’s Country Market, where you will find fresh produce, a deli counter, baked goods, local jams, and pantry staples.
It is perfect for grabbing whoopie pies or a pint of chicken salad for later.
The adjacent gift area stocks crafts, books, and seasonal items that make easy souvenirs. You can browse leisurely, and it is especially handy during bad weather because the passage is indoors.
If you have kids in tow, set a quick budget so the post buffet browsing stays fun and focused.
Shopping before eating can be risky because you will want to refrigerate perishables promptly. Eat first, then sweep the market with a clear plan for what will travel well.
You will appreciate the value compared with tourist heavy spots farther west.
Locals stop here for everyday staples, which keeps turnover brisk and selection practical. That everyday utility pairs nicely with the restaurant’s comfort food approach.
You will leave with both a full stomach and a few Amish Country flavors to enjoy at home.
Tips for dietary needs and picky eaters
If you have dietary restrictions, scan labels and ask staff about ingredients, especially for dairy, pork, or shellfish sensitivities. The salad bar helps you build a safer plate, and grilled proteins like salmon or carved meats can simplify choices.
When in doubt, the a la carte menu offers more control than the buffet line.
Picky eaters do fine with mashed potatoes, fries, buttered noodles, and plain vegetables, though flavors skew mild. Bring your own spice packet or lean on table condiments if you need more punch.
You will stay happier picking smaller portions and gradually increasing variety over a second plate.
Breakfast is a friendly window for many restrictions because eggs and fruit are straightforward. At brunch, ask whether omelets can exclude cheese or whether items were cooked on shared surfaces.
Staff will try to help even when the line is moving quickly.
Allergies always require vigilance at buffets, so communicate early and clearly. If your needs feel complex, consider a weekday visit when the room is quieter.
You will get more attention and better answers, making the experience smoother and safer.
Getting there, hours, and quick contact info
You will find Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet at 14 S Tower Rd, New Holland, PA 17557, in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish Country. It is easy to reach from Route 23, with clear signage and a large parking lot that handles peak mealtime traffic.
The vibe is casual and family friendly from the moment you step inside.
Hours typically run 6 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, 6 AM to 8 PM Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 2 PM on Sunday. That schedule makes breakfast and early dinners particularly convenient if you are road tripping.
Always confirm hours on the website before you go because seasonal adjustments happen.
For quick questions, call +1 717-354-4748 or check yoderscountrymarket.com/restaurant for menus and specials. If you rely on GPS, use coordinates 40.1092272, -76.0659903 to land at the right entrance.
You will see the connected market complex immediately.
Google Maps lists the restaurant as a buffet with a 4.3 star rating across thousands of reviews. Expect opinions to vary, but crowds confirm this place remains a steady local standby.
Plan your visit around what you want most, whether breakfast basics or a prime rib night.